Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road Adventure (Basix)

Days

4

Price from

$845AUD

Between Adelaide and Melbourne, take a road trip through some of Australia’s greatest landscapes

Each state has it’s own iconic destinations, and this trip takes you to a couple of South Australia and Victoria’s – Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road. From Adelaide, hop aboard a ferry and cross to the island that’s named after roos but’s also home to a heap of native animals like koalas and sea lions. Meet these wild residents at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Seal Bay Conservation Park, in-between sand boarding the dunes of the Little Sahara, kayaking on the Harriet River, or kicking back on Vivonne Bay beach. Nowhere does rock formations quite like Australia, so marvel at the island’s Remarkable Rocks before the big show of the Great Ocean Road’s Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Before then you’ll change scenery with time in the forests of the Grampians National Park and get a different perspective with a lesson in local Aboriginal history. Be captivated by each twist of the Great Ocean Road's turn, spot wild koalas at Kennett River and stop by some famed surf locations before finishing up in artsy and eclectic Melbourne. This journey is the perfect snapshot of what makes Australia so great.

Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road Adventure (Basix)

Between Adelaide and Melbourne, take a road trip through some of Australia’s greatest landscapes

Each state has it’s own iconic destinations, and this trip takes you to a couple of South Australia and Victoria’s – Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road. From Adelaide, hop aboard a ferry and cross to the island that’s named after roos but’s also home to a heap of native animals like koalas and sea lions. Meet these wild residents at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Seal Bay Conservation Park, in-between sand boarding the dunes of the Little Sahara, kayaking on the Harriet River, or kicking back on Vivonne Bay beach. Nowhere does rock formations quite like Australia, so marvel at the island’s Remarkable Rocks before the big show of the Great Ocean Road’s Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Before then you’ll change scenery with time in the forests of the Grampians National Park and get a different perspective with a lesson in local Aboriginal history. Be captivated by each twist of the Great Ocean Road's turn, spot wild koalas at Kennett River and stop by some famed surf locations before finishing up in artsy and eclectic Melbourne. This journey is the perfect snapshot of what makes Australia so great.

Start

Adelaide,
Australia

Finish

Melbourne,
Australia

Destination

South Australia,
Kangaroo Island,
Victoria,
Great Ocean Road

Style

Basix

Theme

Short Breaks

Code

PSAAC-B

Physical rating

Ages

Min
18

Group size

Min
1, Max
24

Why you'll love this trip

Loll about with the local sea lions at Seal Bay

Give sandboarding a crack amid the white sand dunes of Little Sahara

Take in the impressive coastal views from Remarkable Rock

Koalas are one of Australia’s most iconic creatures – make some new furry friends among the gum trees of Mikkira Station and Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Take the chance to head beneath the surface, into the crystal clear waters surrounding the Neptune Islands, and face-off with a Great White Shark

Dive at the opportunity to go on a watery play-date with some friendly sea lions, seeing who’s got the better moves in the waters around Hopkins Island

Hike through the dense Australian bush and the spot native wildlife that lives in the area

Is this trip right for you?

This trip is made up of two seperate tours and you'll be traveling with a different Guide on each Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road. Each Guide specialises in their region of touring

The Kangaroo Island portion of the trip are two full days of touring. Whilst there isn't too much physical exertion, there are early starts and arrival back into Adelaide on the second day is late in the evening around 10:30pm.

Adelaide’s one of those cities that has a little bit of something for everyone: award-winning gardens, 19th century churches, fresh seafood and enough good wines and wine bars to send a sommelier giddy. Think about arriving in town a day or two before kick-off to see everything Adelaide has to offer.
We’ve got an early start this morning from the Adelaide Central Bus Station (meet at the SeaLink desk at 6.15am for a 6.45am departure), before travelling along the picture-perfect Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis for the 45-minute SeaLink ferry ride to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. While crossing the water, look out over the side of the boat – it’s no unusual to be joined by a few dolphins along for the ride. Touch down on the island then make your first stop at Rob's Shearing and Sheepdogs to see firsthand a very Aussie occupation – sheep shearing. Continue on to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery – the only commercial distillery of the infinitely useful eucalyptus oil in South Australia. Next up is the Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you’ll have the chance to see rare Australian Sea-lions up close in a wild breeding colony. From the sea to the desert – head to the white sand dunes of the Little Sahara and give sand boarding a shot, before arriving at our exclusive accommodation in Vivonne Bay Lodge. You’ll then have a spot of free time for kayaking on the Harriet River, taking a walk along one of the property’s tracks, hopping on a bike, dipping in for a swim, or just kicking back on Vivonne Bay beach. You’ll spend the night in eight-person dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms (bed linen provided).

Included Activities

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery

Rob's shearing and sheepdogs

Sandboarding at Little Sahara

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Meals Included

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

We may be able to arrange a hotel pick up from your Adelaide or Glenelg accommodation (selected hotels/hostels only). Please contact your booking agent for more information.

The coach transfer from Adelaide to the ferry is approximately 1.5 hours, with a sailing time of 45 minutes. On the island, you will spend approximately 2 hours in the vehicle with frequent sightseeing. Walking and active time will depend on which optional activities you choose in the afternoon.

After breakfast, pop into the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and search for koalas lazing in the eucalyptus trees. Next up it’s Flinders Chase National Park, where you’ll find a collection of boulders that really live up to their name – the Remarkable Rocks. You’ll arrive ahead of the crowds that come to see this signature sight of giant weathered stones that guard the view over Kirkpatrick Point. Ramble across the rocky coastline, admire the seascapes, then stop in at Admirals Arch on Cape Du Couedic to see the resident fur seals frolicking in the ocean or basking on the rocks. Depending on the time and weather, make a few stops en route to Penneshaw, where you can purchase dinner (own expense) before our arrival back in Adelaide where you will be dropped at the Adelaide Central Bus Station, a short walk to the Adelaide Central YHA where you will be staying this evening.

Note: Driving time whilst on the Island will be the majority of the day, with constant stops for sightseeing. The ferry Journey is approximately 45 minutes back to the mainland with a journey of 1.5 hours back to central Adelaide. Arrival time will be approximately 10:40pm. Walking distances are several hundred metres at each location.

Included Activities

Admirals Arch

Flinders Chase National Park

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Remarkable Rocks

Meals Included

This morning you will be picked up at the YHA Adelaide (135 Waymouth Street) at 7am. Leaving South Australia behind, drive across the state border into Victoria and enter the Grampians. Go for a walk to view the Jaws of Death, hike down to McKenzie Falls and take in the incredible views from Reeds Lookout. Gain an insight into the customs of the land's traditional owners during a stop-in at the Brambuck Cultural Centre, then head into the heart of the Grampians, stopping en route for lunch. The last stop of the day will be a spot in the Grampians National Park where kangaroos, wallabies and koalas are often spotted. Tonight's accommodation is at either Brambuk Backpackers or the Grampians YHA.

Included Activities

Brambuk Culture Centre

Mackenzie Falls - Grampians

Reeds Lookout (The Balconies) & Boroka Lookout

Meals Included

After another early morning start, begin the journey along Australia's glorious Great Ocean Road, the twisting highway where every turn brings another photo-worthy view. Explore Port Campbell National Park, and rock out with the amazing rock formations of London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and the iconic Twelve Apostles. Sit back and soak up the mesmerising coastal views along the way, stopping at Apollo Bay for a spot of lunch. Pull over at Kennett River for the chance to spot koalas, pass through charming beach towns like Lorne and take some snaps at famed surf locations. Then hit the highway to cosmopolitan city of Melbourne.

Included Activities

Loch Ard Gorge

Meals Included

Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts,
2 lunches,
2 dinners

Transport

Minibus,
Transfer Coach,
Ferry

Accommodation

Dormitory (3 nights)

Included activities

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery

Rob's shearing and sheepdogs

Sandboarding at Little Sahara

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Admirals Arch

Flinders Chase National Park

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Remarkable Rocks

Brambuk Culture Centre

Mackenzie Falls - Grampians

Reeds Lookout (The Balconies) & Boroka Lookout

Loch Ard Gorge

Meals

2 breakfasts,
2 lunches,
2 dinners

Transport

Minibus,
Transfer Coach,
Ferry

Accommodation

Dormitory (3 nights)

Included activities

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery

Rob's shearing and sheepdogs

Sandboarding at Little Sahara

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Admirals Arch

Flinders Chase National Park

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Remarkable Rocks

Brambuk Culture Centre

Mackenzie Falls - Grampians

Reeds Lookout (The Balconies) & Boroka Lookout

Loch Ard Gorge

Days

4

Price from

$845AUD

Between Adelaide and Melbourne, take a road trip through some of Australia’s greatest landscapes

Each state has it’s own iconic destinations, and this trip takes you to a couple of South Australia and Victoria’s – Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road. From Adelaide, hop aboard a ferry and cross to the island that’s named after roos but’s also home to a heap of native animals like koalas and sea lions. Meet these wild residents at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Seal Bay Conservation Park, in-between sand boarding the dunes of the Little Sahara, kayaking on the Harriet River, or kicking back on Vivonne Bay beach. Nowhere does rock formations quite like Australia, so marvel at the island’s Remarkable Rocks before the big show of the Great Ocean Road’s Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Before then you’ll change scenery with time in the forests of the Grampians National Park and get a different perspective with a lesson in local Aboriginal history. Be captivated by each twist of the Great Ocean Road's turn, spot wild koalas at Kennett River and stop by some famed surf locations before finishing up in artsy and eclectic Melbourne. This journey is the perfect snapshot of what makes Australia so great.

Next trip departures

Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. This trip departs from Adelaide to meet the Kangaroo Island ferry on day 1 from the Adelaide Central Bus Station (85 Franklin Street). Please meet at the the SeaLink desk at 6.15am for a 6.45am departure. Hotel pick ups from central Adelaide to the bus station are available on request.
2. Accommodation in Adelaide on night 2 is at the Adelaide Central YHA, where you will be picked up on day 3 at 7am for the next leg of your trip.
3. This trip is available in Basix (multishare) and Original (twin share) accommodation. See code PSAAC-O for Original style.
4. This trip also runs in reverse as a 5 day trip. See trip codes PASMC-B and PASMC-O.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.